Disseminated Oligodendroglial-like Leptomeningeal Tumor in the Adult: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND

Diffuse leptomeningeal glioneuronal tumor (DLGNT) was recently added to the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. DLGNT is a rare entity that occurs more commonly in pediatric patients, but occasional cases have been reported in adults. This tumor has been recognized as a distinct pathologic entity; however, its biologic behavior remains unclear. It is considered an indolent neoplasm, although considerable morbidity has been reported. For this reason, further characterization and collection of evidence are crucial.

METHODS

In this article, we reported a case of a 36-year-old woman with a DLGNT characterized by rapid, aggressive behavior. We also performed a review of the literature for reported cases of low-grade and high-grade forms involving adults and children.

RESULTS

DLGNTs should no longer be considered only as low-grade tumors affecting pediatric patients. The spectrum of presentations also includes aggressive tumors affecting adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Further clinical and pathologic data supported by cytogenetic and molecular investigations are mandatory to better characterize DLGNTs.